The Irish Times reported that Heaney was a very close close friend of President Michael D Higgins, a fellow poet. who had described him as a “man who truly understands the Irish people and their historical landscape”.

“By delving into the images and memories of a rural Irish childhood, he weaves a journey back to our future selves and the scenery of new truths."

Bill Clinton described him as “one of the world’s favorite poets”.

“Your poetry has been a gift to the people of Ireland and to the world and a gift to me in difficult times."